TÜRK DELEGASYONU ÜYELERİNİN GENEL KURUL TOPLANTILARINDA YAPTIĞI KONUŞMALAR
AVRUPA KONSEYİ
PARLAMENTER MECLİSİ
SONBAHAR GENEL
KURUL TOPLANTISI
3-7 EKİM 2005,
STRAZBURG
TÜRK DELEGASYONU ÜYELERİNİN YAPMIŞ OLDUĞU
KONUŞMALAR
Co-development policy as a positive measure to regulate
migratory flows
Mr ÖZAL (
An important characteristic of
migration is that it creates increasingly diverse societies and necessitates
comprehensive, multidimensional policies. Regardless of how well prepared to
receive migrants any society may think itself, it must be much better prepared
in the years ahead, because immigration levels will continue to increase.
Migration has the potential to
make a significant contribution to development. However, co-ordination and
co-operation between host and source countries is required in order to
establish the most appropriate and effective policies, so that migration’s
positive impacts can be increased for all concerned. As the report rightly
states, co-development policy emerged from the need to find appropriate ways
and means for migrants to become active in the developing and strengthening of
co-operation between countries of origin and host countries.
An important issue in terms of
migration and development is remittances, which represent a major contribution
to the development needs of countries of origin. Although I support the
arguments outlined in the report, I draw the Assembly’s attention to the fact
that remittances are private funds that should not hinder foreign direct
investment or other monetary commitments. In general, the effects of
remittances on development vary, and closely depend on general migration
policy.
Another vital point to
consider in the successful development of home countries and host countries is
that partnerships between countries of origin and countries of destination
should be based on the principle of shared responsibility. Here, regional and
international organisations have an important role to play. In terms of data
and information sharing on migration and development matters, there is a vital
need for partnerships between international organisations and governments. It
is also important to have comprehensive and accurate data on, for example,
remittance flows and diaspora participation in development-related activities.
Such partnerships are essential in order to support governments’ efforts to
develop and implement effective policies that strengthen the linkages between
migration and development.
These issues are not new for
Mr
COŞKUNOĞLU (Turkey). – I congratulate the rapporteur on undertaking a
report on such a dangerous and explosive subject.
Religion
is a noble yet dangerous concept, as we have observed throughout history and
from the comments of previous speakers. The report articulates the noble
aspects of the rapporteur’s undertaking, but let me point out a couple of the
dangers. The report states that a good general knowledge of religions is
essential to exercise democratic citizenship. We cannot disagree with that, but
I add a note of caution on the matter of causality. To have a democratic and
more tolerant society, a general knowledge of religion is not a prerequisite.
Let
us consider the history of religion. Christianity went through the dark ages.
It did not change as a result of a general knowledge about religion, but
because of a renaissance and the commitment to rigorous and critical thinking.
The same is true for Turkey. It is often said to be the only secular Muslim
country, but we did not get to that state because of a general knowledge about
religion. I am concerned that the cause and effect could be misunderstood.
Peer
pressure is another danger. During the Reagan era in the United States, an
innocent and ostensibly noble proposal was made on voluntary prayer. Its
society rejected that, however, because if a student were to stand up and pray,
others would be subject to peer pressure to join in. So peer pressure is
important.
We
know that crusades and Jihads have ostensibly noble purposes and intentions,
but we also know the results of them. However, we also know that art,
architecture, music and poetry have been inspired by religions through the
ages. Many things of beauty have been produced in the name of religion, but
without religion there would still be art, beauty and goodness, and mankind
would still find reasons to go to war. However, it remains the case that the
best societies are secular societies. Given that some people’s religious
certainties put everyone in danger, governments should be careful to ensure
that religion is low key.
The
idea in the report is noble and good, but it is dangerous to insist that
religion is taught in our classrooms.
Mr
ÖZAL (Turkey). – I thank the rapporteur, Mr Schneider, for his excellent
report. If implemented, the recommendations will definitely ease some of the
problems that our societies face today.
Every
parliamentarian in the Assembly knows that the world has undergone
unprecedented transformation in recent years. There has been a rapid increase
in cross-border social, cultural, technological and economical exchange as part
of globalisation. That has inevitably created social problems such as illegal
immigration, xenophobia, racism, intolerance, religious and ethnic fanaticism,
and prejudices against believers in certain religions.
I
agree with the rapporteur that knowledge of religions is an integral part of
knowledge of the history of mankind and civilisations. A good general knowledge
of religions is essential to a sense of tolerance in society, and the exercise
of democratic citizenship. I also believe that all individuals, but especially
politicians like us, have a responsibility to confront serious issues that
constitute a threat to our societies. Therefore, as the report makes clear, we
must know each other well to understand each other’s motives. Learning about
each other’s religions through education can be a good start for the creation
of a cultural atmosphere that encourages us to understand each other.
At
this point, however, a new question emerges. How can we ensure that the study
of religions becomes part of the general school curriculum, and what criteria
should we set for the teaching of religion in our schools? That is a difficult
task. The report examines different systems of religious education in Council
of Europe member states. Education remains a responsibility of individual
member states, and education systems differ enormously under the influence of
national traditions and local circumstances. It is difficult to create an
identical system of religious education in all member states, but we can set
some basic criteria that may be adopted by all of them.
In
my view, a basic educational curriculum in all Council of Europe member states
should include objective factual information about the history of the main
religions, and, as the report suggests, should “provide young people with
educational tools … in approaching supporters of a fanatical religious
practice.” While foreseeing the inclusion of fair and unbiased information on
religious education, we should also take the necessary steps to give adequate
training to our teachers. I support the idea of creating a specific training
centre for them.
Let
me again thank Mr Schneider for his excellent work, and encourage our Assembly
to do as the report suggests and enable governments to “do more to guarantee
freedom of conscience and religious expression, to foster education on
religions.”
OECD and the world
economy – enlarged debate
Mr ÖZAL (
The divergence of economic
performances, global saving imbalances and volatile oil prices should be forces
of concern and therefore subject to good analysis and collaborative action by
all economies. Oil prices have soared considerably recently. Even though they
have not had a dramatic impact on the world economy so far, the current high
prices and the increased uncertainty surrounding the evolution of energy prices
pose an important threat to the world economy in the forthcoming period. Each
year, oil production and the quantity transported from producer to consumer
exceed that of the year before. The world economy depends more and more on oil.
Moreover, there is serious
concern about the security of oil production and international sea lanes and
pipelines and about the lack of sufficient investment in the energy sector. As
a result, no one can today make reliable predictions about oil prices. I
therefore agree with the report that it is of the utmost importance that we
ensure the stability of the oil supply as well as the efficient use of oil and
other scarce energy resources.
Despite the fact that some
OECD countries have performed well in recent years, some are lagging behind.
Although it is hard to find a common denominator for the good performers, there
are broad lines from which we can draw some conclusions. It seems that
countries better adapted to information and communication technologies and
countries with more flexible labour and product markets did better than others.
A good analysis of the interaction of these factors will lead us to make better
policy decisions that will serve to reach more desirable outcomes. We look
forward to more work from the OECD on this issue.
Enlargement of the OECD should
strengthen it by increasing its capacity to fulfil its mandate and develop its
global influence. To that end, the organisation should take a selective
approach to the choice of new members. However, at this point, one criterion
becomes more and more important – the adherence to democracy and basic human
rights values. I strongly believe that all OECD candidate countries should be
primarily those that adopt and respect such values.
Finally, I wish to underline
another important point. Although it is our duty to applaud the resumption of
strong and healthy economic growth in large parts of the OECD, it is also our
duty to urge caution if much of that growth is likely to be gained largely at a
cost to our environment. We should be careful about our environment and not
forget that we all owe our children a better and liveable world.
Forced marriages
and child marriages
Mr GÜLÇIÇEK (
The legal age for
marriage was 18, as set out in various international conventions. Turkish
legislation had developed significantly: new family law provisions had come
into force and criminal law was often reviewed to ensure it was up-to-date. A
new law allowed prosecutions for violence to proceed without witnesses.
Measures were
required to ensure girls were not prevented from attending school because of
forced marriages. Education campaigns were necessary. Forced marriages
undermined society as a whole and should be prevented.
The
Council of Europe and the European neighbourhood policy of the European Union
Mr AÇIKGÖZ (Turkey). – Mr
President, dear colleagues, I thank Mr Van den Brande for his important study.
The European Union, with its current and future members, is a global player and
contributes to sustainability and security not only in Europe but throughout
the world. On the other hand, no one can deny or neglect the role of the Council
of Europe as a pan-European organisation in strengthening democracy, cohesion
and stability in the continent. Ensuring close co-ordination and co‑operation
between the two is essential. At the 3rd Summit of the Council of Europe in
Warsaw, European leaders reiterated the importance of the issue.
By launching the European neighbourhood
policy, the European Union aimed to improve relations with its neighbouring
countries on the basis of shared principles. The policy, which is in the
interests of both sides, would result in a ring of friends surrounding the
Union with stability and prosperity.
As stated in the report, democracy, the
rule of law and the protection of human rights are sine qua non
conditions for stability. The European neighbourhood policy, while supporting
neighbouring countries with special assistance programmes, economic privileges
and so on, should also use the experience and the tools of the Council of
Europe.
In view of the importance of good
relationships for the future of our continent, let me highlight some strategic
and sensitive issues in the framework. Based on current principles and goals,
the Council of Europe and the European Union should work in enhanced
complementarity and co-ordination. In that context, it was decided at the 3rd Summit
of the European leaders to draft a memorandum of understanding between the two
organisations through which a new and stronger framework of co‑operation
and political dialogue will be formed. It will also pave the way for us to use
scarce resources more effectively, by preventing duplications. The contribution
of the Council of Europe to the ENP will also be structured in that way.
Another important aspect is that the
neighbouring countries of the EU have different conditions and characteristics.
Although it is certain that the EU will approach them on the same principles,
the practical needs and strategies will be different. A balanced approach of
the EU is vital for the Council of Europe because the main aim is to prevent
the formation of new dividing lines.
Finally, I want to focus on the
possible role of the Council of Europe in the ENP, as recommended in the
report. I sincerely support the ideas in the recommendations. However, I draw
the Assembly’s attention to the proposed role of the Council of Europe when it
comes to non-member countries, through bodies such as the Venice Commission and
the Congress. Although the increased role of the Council of Europe is important
and useful, at least for the sake of being able to solve many important common problems,
such as immigration, terrorism and smuggling, its budgetary restraints should
be taken into account.
It is evident that there is a need to
institute a new and comprehensive approach to co-operation and complementarity
between the Council of Europe and the EU. That will strengthen and promote our
common values and goals while positively reflecting the peace and stability in
our continent.
Accelerated
asylum procedures in Council of Europe of Europe member states
Mr
ÇAVUŞOĞLU (Turkey). – Thank you, Mr President. The concept of
accelerated asylum procedures is not simple. It covers a variety of cases and
procedures. In the preparation of the report, the rapporteur relied on the
questionnaires completed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
branch offices in 11 countries in Europe. The study does not cover all member
states, but it allows us to extract some of the main issues related to the
subject. I thank the UNHCR branch offices for the detailed information that
they provided.
In
order to understand the current situation in Europe better, the rapporteur
visited Brussels to meet the representatives of the UNHCR, and also a member of
the European Commission. That was particularly useful, as it allowed him to
discuss the approach of the European Union, and the proposal for a Council
directive on minimum standards for procedures in member states for granting and
withdrawing refugee status.
Last
week in Strasbourg, the European Parliament debated the Council directive and
expressed a number of reservations, many of which are reflected in the draft
resolution and recommendation presented here today.
The
issue that has to be faced in member states is the increasing use of
accelerated asylum procedures to deal with asylum seekers. There is a real
concern that emphasis is being given to speed rather than fairness, which
increases the likelihood of referrals and raises a number of issues concerning
refugees and human rights.
There
is also a concern that the large number of different procedures being applied
by the member states of the Council of Europe increases the risk of European
procedures becoming a lottery for asylum seekers, both in relation to the level
of protection and to the likelihood that recognition may depend on which
procedure is applied, and on the country in which asylum is sought.
Of
particular concern are certain practices such as the use of the concept of
“safe country of origin”. No country can be safe for all persons, and an
applicant must have the opportunity to rebut the presumption of safety.
Concerns have also been raised about the use of the concept of the safe third
country, including the concept of “super-safe” third countries. In the TI case
against the United Kingdom, The European Court of Human Rights has made it
clear that the application of the concept of a safe third country does not
release a country from its duty under article 3 of the Convention to ensure
that no person is subject to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The
way in which border applicants are treated is also of concern. A person seeking
asylum at the border should not be treated less favourably than someone
applying from within the country. Concern is also expressed about the limits on
the rights of appeal and the lack of suspensive effect of certain appeals. In
view of the low quality of many decisions in the first instance, it is
particularly important to guarantee the right of appeal.
This
should have a positive effect in allowing the applicant to stay in the country
until the appeal is heard.
A
number of safeguards are highlighted and they are of primary importance.
Vulnerable groups, such as children and victims of violence, including sexual
violence, should be excluded from the accelerated procedures. Other cases are
not suitable to be handled under the accelerated procedures, and that includes
those applicants who represent a danger to national security or to public
order, or where consideration is given to the application of the exclusion
clauses under 1F of the refugee convention. There should be the right to an
individual determination and interview, together with free legal aid at the
first instance and throughout the appeal process. Independent organisations
should be allowed to monitor detention. There should be full training for
officials who deal with asylum seekers. Member states should be invited to take
steps in those directions so that they improve safeguards.
The
Council of Europe has a role in promoting best practice rather than, as one
non-governmental organisation put it, collecting together our worst practice
and using a standard that reflects the lowest common denominator. The Committee
of Ministers should be called on to develop guidelines on best practice, in
particular for the use of the concept of a safe country of origin, the use of
the concept of the safe third country, the use of procedures adopted for
dealing with asylum seekers at border points, and the rights of appeal, including
the suspensive effect of appeals.
The
Council of Europe’s experience of monitoring its countries should be used to a
greater extent in determining refugee status. It should be increasingly
involved in training staff who deal with asylum seekers and should develop
further materials to assist in dealing with refugee status determination
procedures. We need to recognise the procedures that are applied in the country
where asylum is sought. Of particular concern are certain practices, such as
the use of the concept of the safe country of origin.
The
draft resolution recognises that states need a system in place to process
asylum claims rapidly and efficiently. However, that needs to be balanced by
the obligation to provide access to a fair determination procedure, complete
with adequate safeguards. However, a balance should not mean a compromise, and
it is with that in mind that the committee has put forward a draft resolution
and recommendation for approval